2016 Ford Raptor News, price and specs

Upcoming 2016 Ford Raptor will be built out of light-weighted materials, which will influence its fuel economy without damaging its strength or durability. Although we doubted that Raptor will even make the cut, looks like Ford officials decided to continue with production of the truck. This pick-up truck was originally launched back in 2010, for Baja 1000 off-road race, and it gained a lot of fans.

2016 Ford Raptor changes

2016 model year will mark the beginning of the second generation for popular Raptor, which will change its platform, will use aluminum and high-strength steel in order to reduce weight. Primarily made for off-road conditions, 2016 Ford Raptor will weight around 700 lbs less than its predecessor. This big reduction will enhance its performances, and save fuel economy, which will provide more enjoyment for its owners, at the same price.

Ford will use high-strength steel for Raptor’s frame, while its body will be combination of steel and aluminum-alloy. Steel frames will provide more strength for the Raptor, which is something American producer thought of.

According to the spy shots, the exterior will be altered just enough to keep up with latest trend, but not to fail its original concept. Front grill will be modernized, while body lines will be made in more aggressive style, with sharp body lines, and more edgy appearance. Inside, new Raptor will offer quality and comfort, as well as great tech features.

2016 Ford Raptor engine

Although it is still early to speculate about 2016 Ford Raptor performance, looks like some reliable sources do know some facts. Until recently, we weren’t even sure whether Ford will continue the production of the model, but since the news about its prototype and beginning of production were released, many started wondering about the performance of the upcoming model.

According to multiple sources, new Raptor could offer Ford’s 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine, which is much bragged about. This engine produces 365 horsepower under the hood of Ford F-150. Current engine, 6.2-liter V-8 with 411 horsepower, will probably be replaced with a 5.0-liter V8 engine with 385 horsepower and 387 lb-ft of torque.

Fuel economy will be improved significantly, due to reduced weights, and if Ford empowers 2016 Raptor with a V6, we can be sure than it will be inviolable in its category.

2016 Ford Raptor rivals

Raptor’s big popularity comes from its uniqueness. It is hard to find pick-up truck that offers so much power and great off-road performances on automotive market. When it comes to today’s market, we can say that Ram 1500 and Toyota Tundra TRD are its closest competitors.

2016 Ford Raptor price and release

Ford’s official release stated that Raptor will not be presented for 2015 model year, so the chances are that the release of the 2016 Ford Raptor will happen during the fall 2015, or even later on. Price will be slightly boosted, due to big investments, so Raptor could be priced at around $50,000 or few grand more.